Whether to take a multivitamin can often be a point of discussion. For many people taking a daily multi is part of their daily health routine.  Then there are others who believe that eating a well-rounded diet means that a multivitamin and mineral is not required.  

However, we are all individuals and at different ages and stages of our lives.  So, whether we take a supplement can be very dependent on where we are at in life.  Here are some of the individual and life factors that could influence whether a multivitamin is right for you.

1. Poor digestive health – many people have digestive issues which can affect their absorption of nutrients.  Having low stomach acid can affect nutrient breakdown, as can low levels of digestive enzymes.
2. Medication use – Some medications can affect the absorption of nutrients. Even common ones such as oral contraceptives, cholesterol medication and especially those that affect the digestive system.
3. Periods of growth – This is particularly relevant for children and teens who go through growth spurts that require many nutrients for brain development, bones, and physical structures and to support changing hormone levels.
4. Stressful times – At times of stress this can affect the whole body. Our fight or flight system puts all its energy into managing our stress response and diverts energy away from our digestive system and the normal breakdown of nutrients.  Also, when we are stressed, the body can be better supported with B vitamins for the nervous system, and vitamin C to make our adrenal hormones. Magnesium is also lost from the cells when we are stressed, and it is important for muscle relaxation and deep sleep.
5. Ageing – As we age things slow down and our ability for repair and restoration is reduced. This means that vitamins that are made in the body like some B vitamins and coenzyme Q10 can become lower and affect energy. We are also less able to clear free radicals in the body, so additional vitamins and minerals provide antioxidant support. 
   Poor diet – A diet high in processed foods provides poor levels of nutrients. Also, the inclusion of alcohol and coffee can affect nutrient absorption but also require additional nutrients to detoxify them out of the body.
6. Poor soils and poor growing – Certain countries can be prone to low minerals in the soil. New Zealand has low levels of iodine and selenium, so nutrients would need to be obtained from other sources or foods from other countries. For example, obtaining selenium by eating Brazil nuts from Australia.  Mass production and fast growing may affect the quality and quantity of nutrients in fresh foods.
    

Clinicians Multivitamin & Mineral Boost comes in a powder or capsule format. It contains the key nutrients needed for kiwi families and has variable dosing so the whole family can share 1 product. Containing 32 essential vitamins at good levels, the powder makes a delicious orange-flavoured drink, that the kids will love.

Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to a balanced diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on any medication, see your healthcare professional before undertaking any natural healthcare protocol. 

Douglas Pharmaceuticals, Auckland.